Pittsburgh, PA -- (Sports Network) - The Steelers finally confirmed the swirling rumors surrounding linebacker Larry Foote, releasing the 28-year-old after seven productive seasons with the team.

Foote came into the league out of Michigan as a fourth-round draft pick by Pittsburgh in 2002, appearing in 14 games -- three starts -- in his rookie campaign and recording 20 tackles.

"Larry has been a big part of our success, but unfortunately the realities of the salary cap made this decision inevitable," said Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert. "We wish Larry and his family nothing but the best as he moves forward with his career."

He had been a durable starter for the vaunted Steelers defense, appearing in the staring lineup for 80 consecutive games over the last five seasons, including both of the last two Pittsburgh Super Bowl victories. Out of the five campaigns, he had his lowest statistical totals in 2008, recording just 63 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. His best season was arguably 2005, when he had 102 tackles and three sacks as the Steelers won their fifth-ever Super Bowl title over Seattle.

He has career totals of 431 tackles and 14 1/2 sacks in 110 games for the Steelers.